The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-02
THE ARMY OF TRAMPS.
THE CITY LITERALLY SWARMING
WITH THE DANGEROUS ToUGHs.
Vigilant Police Officers Taking Them in
Wherever Encountered, But Not Fast
Enough for the Peoples Safety-Some
Depredations.

Were the census of Memphis taken now,
and the migratory army of men within her
gates included, it would be dangerous UNI
derlaking to estimate the city's population.
The number of thugs, footpads, sneak
thieves and other undesirable inhabitants
known as the floating element, is simply in
calculablc. The city swarms with them, and
the police swarm after them. OF the latter
proceeding IL can only be said IL is INSULT
cent, because the force is entirely made
quate. For several days the crusade has been
wagcd, and special tactics improvsed TO en-
trap the willy visitors. Tuesday night Officer
Sullivan sailed forth in citizens garb, but
bearing the customary police officers arsenal
and battering ram. This deception was n
famous success, and squads of the footpad
brigade found unrelcnting barriers TO fur
ther depredations In the central station.
Yesterday and last night the inroads into
their ranks was terrific, and such rs will
make the chain-gang superintendent face
wreath in smiles. Just at this season there
are always swarm Of these unprincipaled
roughs aud thugs in this city, hocking from
the chilling atmosphere of the north and
west. Memphis seems TO be considered a
favorite spot with them, and here they CON
gregate by the hundreds and possibly thou
sands. The entire force OF police is turned
loose upon them, but owing TO its limited
strength can afford but little relief TO the
citizens by hauling some in and forcing
| Others to leave.
When an ApPEAL reporter visited the sta
| house last night, about s o'clock, he
found Mr.. Bardick, the station keeper, so
busily engaged that officers had TO fall into
line with their prizes and await their turn.
Business was literally booming, and the ilsu-
ally smiling keeper wore threatening frown
and spoke in petulant tones. To add TO the
confusion, every few minutes the telephone
would summon him TO receive messages of
outrnges by these despcndoes in various
parts of the city. When order was partially
restored aud a temporary lull reigned, the
names fourteen of which were from the
floating class Those who had not been
| nipped while in the act Of marauding, or
| other nscality, were locked up on the simple
| charge Of yagrancy The names OF the latter
| were rs follows: Frank Sherman, Pulaski,
Miss; Thomas Nolan, John Kelly, Mike
Casey. Mike Kenny Harry Hooper,
| T. w. Field, 81. Louis; William Sui
Ivan, CINCINNATI Mike Wclch and John
Harris, nowhere. Opposite the lattcr's name
| Is the more serious charge Of hOusehrcaking
and carrying concealed pistol Jane Ma
| lone another member Of the army, will
answer 10 houscbroaking. The two latte,
| fellows visited the house Of Capt James
Ryan, No. 20 johnson avenue, between and
5o'clOck yesterday afternoon, and were max
ing an attempt 10 enter through rear win.
dow, when surprised and frightened away by
the colorcd cook A description Of the two
was furnished the police, and in less than
two hours both were behind the bars.
In the vicinity of Washington and Front
tstrccts Is where the ruilians mostly congrcgatC
and q man passing there after dark takes hi.
life In his own hands. Fred Stensel, q mid
die aged German, who arrived from kansa.
| City yesterday morning. learned this fact
last night. He was assaulted by John Sui
Ivan, Nat Harrety and Dave Sutton, and
from his appearance the first named is the
physical equal Of the great John l.. Iii,
right eye was highly colorcd and enlarged
his face was beaten almost Ia jelly, aud IN
the top Of his head was great hole, caused
by blow from some blunt instrument
The trio had just accomplished their work
and robbed him Of SIS when Sergeant
Hcdrick and officer Wilder pounced upon
and escorted them TO the station-house
They will succumb TO the charge of robbery
from the person, and, II il 10 be hoped, b,
sent up for the full limit term.